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Gabriel Born
Sheila Jensen, desperate to invent a genetic cure, defies rules against combining animal and human DNA. She stirs outrage, so her fiancé and boss, Philip Ohl, blames her for the illegal and immoral work, destroying her career. Still, Sheila is motivated; her diagnosis will kill her, so she engineers her last ovum to make a deadly nerve disorder cure. Risking her life, she bears the child, hoping her transferable DNA cure will work, but she can't find the cure in Gabriel's DNA. She loses faith; soon her strength and health deteriorate.
As Gabriel grows, her perception shifts. He is a prodigy that wins her wounded heart. She is shocked when he develops perfect blue wings at age five. All he wants to do is fly. Sheila can't contain him. When he flies, some of each watcher's consciousness joins him; his audience feels as if they fly too. When video goes viral, devotees flock to watch the angel boy, hoping to join the ecstatic ride. Violent protestors arrive too, spewing vitriol against him.
Sheila flees with Gabriel, afraid that Philip will claim her son. When he does so with a court order that shuts Sheila out, she fears for Gabriel. She knows the institution will do anything in the name of research. Gabriel has completely opened her heart, healed her, and given her a taste of unimagined freedom. Clearly, the only way to rescue him is to accept his expanded vision and allow him to teach her how to actually fly.
As Gabriel grows, her perception shifts. He is a prodigy that wins her wounded heart. She is shocked when he develops perfect blue wings at age five. All he wants to do is fly. Sheila can't contain him. When he flies, some of each watcher's consciousness joins him; his audience feels as if they fly too. When video goes viral, devotees flock to watch the angel boy, hoping to join the ecstatic ride. Violent protestors arrive too, spewing vitriol against him.
Sheila flees with Gabriel, afraid that Philip will claim her son. When he does so with a court order that shuts Sheila out, she fears for Gabriel. She knows the institution will do anything in the name of research. Gabriel has completely opened her heart, healed her, and given her a taste of unimagined freedom. Clearly, the only way to rescue him is to accept his expanded vision and allow him to teach her how to actually fly.
266 pages, Paperback
Published December 6, 2016
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
March 13, 2026
Gabriel Born by Muriel Stockdale is a deeply imaginative and emotionally charged story that explores the thin line between scientific ambition and human compassion. Sheila Jensen’s desperate attempt to create a cure through forbidden genetic experimentation sets the stage for a narrative filled with moral conflict, sacrifice, and hope.
What makes the book particularly compelling is how it shifts from a story about scientific controversy into something far more profound, a meditation on love, motherhood, and acceptance. Gabriel’s extraordinary nature brings wonder but also fear from the outside world, creating tension that keeps the story engaging.
The novel asks difficult questions about ethics, progress, and the cost of discovery, while still delivering moments of beauty and inspiration. It’s a unique blend of science fiction and emotional storytelling that leaves a lasting impression.
I get to know and read the book in the 6th Session of the Q1 Literary Distinction at CCBE.
What makes the book particularly compelling is how it shifts from a story about scientific controversy into something far more profound, a meditation on love, motherhood, and acceptance. Gabriel’s extraordinary nature brings wonder but also fear from the outside world, creating tension that keeps the story engaging.
The novel asks difficult questions about ethics, progress, and the cost of discovery, while still delivering moments of beauty and inspiration. It’s a unique blend of science fiction and emotional storytelling that leaves a lasting impression.
I get to know and read the book in the 6th Session of the Q1 Literary Distinction at CCBE.
March 13, 2026
This novel stands out because it combines scientific speculation with a deeply personal story about a mother and her child. Sheila Jensen’s determination to defy conventional boundaries in order to find a cure for her illness sets the emotional tone for the entire book.
As Gabriel grows, the story gradually evolves from one centered on scientific risk into a fascinating exploration of what it means to be different in a world that fears the unknown. His mysterious wings and the unusual connection people feel when he flies add a layer of wonder that feels almost spiritual.
Muriel Stockdale creates a narrative that is both imaginative and heartfelt. By the end, the story feels less about science and more about trust, love, and the courage to embrace the extraordinary.
Read at the CCBE's 6th Session of the New Year Literary Distinction. Join our club here:- https://coffeechaptersbookenthusiasts...
As Gabriel grows, the story gradually evolves from one centered on scientific risk into a fascinating exploration of what it means to be different in a world that fears the unknown. His mysterious wings and the unusual connection people feel when he flies add a layer of wonder that feels almost spiritual.
Muriel Stockdale creates a narrative that is both imaginative and heartfelt. By the end, the story feels less about science and more about trust, love, and the courage to embrace the extraordinary.
Read at the CCBE's 6th Session of the New Year Literary Distinction. Join our club here:- https://coffeechaptersbookenthusiasts...
December 5, 2017
It's my book so I've read it multiple times and loved it every read.
December 23, 2018
Upon reading the first pages, I was perplexed because I am not used to reading stories in the present tense. But once I got the hang of it, I realized how the use of the tense adds greatly to the tension of the scenes, and the imminence of the characters' emotions.
I enjoyed Stockdale's keen portrayal of the main character's singular focus and determination. Sheila, the MC, sees all things through her scientific mind, and once the miracle she has so long sought happens, she calls upon it to detach herself from the emotions she would have felt otherwise. Stockdale also does a good job at showing the MC's failures, one of which is the very detachment which eventually led her to a miraculous success. But in the end, Sheila the geneticist does become Sheila the mother and her love for her child grows beautifully. I still do not know what happened to her child, Gabriel, if he was created an angel through her genetic manipulations, by God's intervention, or by both. And I still do not know whether Sheila and others were flying too, in the end. But I think of it as the story intended it: a mystery which will reveal itself to those who can see it.
I enjoyed Stockdale's keen portrayal of the main character's singular focus and determination. Sheila, the MC, sees all things through her scientific mind, and once the miracle she has so long sought happens, she calls upon it to detach herself from the emotions she would have felt otherwise. Stockdale also does a good job at showing the MC's failures, one of which is the very detachment which eventually led her to a miraculous success. But in the end, Sheila the geneticist does become Sheila the mother and her love for her child grows beautifully. I still do not know what happened to her child, Gabriel, if he was created an angel through her genetic manipulations, by God's intervention, or by both. And I still do not know whether Sheila and others were flying too, in the end. But I think of it as the story intended it: a mystery which will reveal itself to those who can see it.
March 13, 2026
CCBE had been one of the best club I've ever joined since the past 6 months, then came Gabriel Born for the 6th Session of the Q1 Literary Distinction.......
One of the most powerful themes in Gabriel Born is the courage required to stand by one’s choices in the face of criticism and judgment. Sheila Jensen becomes a controversial figure because of her research, but her motivations are rooted in survival and hope.
Gabriel’s existence forces society to confront its fears about difference and change. The reactions of the public, from fascination to hostility, feel strikingly realistic.
Your narrative reminds readers that groundbreaking ideas often come with significant personal costs.
One last word, but won't be the last from me, I can't stop reading Gabriel Born. It is Amazing.
One of the most powerful themes in Gabriel Born is the courage required to stand by one’s choices in the face of criticism and judgment. Sheila Jensen becomes a controversial figure because of her research, but her motivations are rooted in survival and hope.
Gabriel’s existence forces society to confront its fears about difference and change. The reactions of the public, from fascination to hostility, feel strikingly realistic.
Your narrative reminds readers that groundbreaking ideas often come with significant personal costs.
One last word, but won't be the last from me, I can't stop reading Gabriel Born. It is Amazing.
March 13, 2026
At its heart, Gabriel Born is a story about the powerful bond between a mother and her child. Sheila Jensen’s willingness to risk everything to bring Gabriel into the world is both heartbreaking and inspiring. Her journey, from a disgraced scientist to a fiercely protective mother, feels authentic and emotionally raw.
Gabriel himself is a fascinating character whose mysterious abilities make him both a miracle and a target. The way people react to him, from awe to hostility, adds a realistic dimension to the story.
Muriel Stockdale manages to balance imaginative storytelling with deeply human emotions, creating a novel that stays with you long after you’ve finished reading.
Wonderfully read at CCBE.
I love this Muriel, keep it up... Muaah.
Gabriel himself is a fascinating character whose mysterious abilities make him both a miracle and a target. The way people react to him, from awe to hostility, adds a realistic dimension to the story.
Muriel Stockdale manages to balance imaginative storytelling with deeply human emotions, creating a novel that stays with you long after you’ve finished reading.
Wonderfully read at CCBE.
I love this Muriel, keep it up... Muaah.
March 13, 2026
What makes Gabriel Born particularly fascinating is how it bridges the gap between science and something that feels almost spiritual. Sheila’s work begins as a purely scientific pursuit, but Gabriel’s abilities suggest a reality that goes beyond what science can easily explain.
The idea that people can share the sensation of flight with Gabriel is both beautiful and symbolic. It suggests a deeper connection between human beings and the unknown possibilities of the world.
Muriel Stockdale has written a novel that encourages readers to keep an open mind about the future and the mysteries that may still exist within it.
Read at CCBE... Proud to be a member.
But I love you Muriel, you've got such a nice book.
The idea that people can share the sensation of flight with Gabriel is both beautiful and symbolic. It suggests a deeper connection between human beings and the unknown possibilities of the world.
Muriel Stockdale has written a novel that encourages readers to keep an open mind about the future and the mysteries that may still exist within it.
Read at CCBE... Proud to be a member.
But I love you Muriel, you've got such a nice book.
March 31, 2018
Gabriel Born is a story about Dr Sheila Jensen and how she brings Gabriel to the world by combining animal and human DNA. Gabriel is not a normal child. He develops WINGS at the age of 5. All he wants to do is fly. Sheila can’t contain him. When he flies, some of each watcher’s consciousness joins him; his audience feels as if they fly too.
The story is about the mother and son relationship. The mother who tries every possible thing to save his son from getting unwanted attention and the son who’s only wish is to heal his mother and give her a taste of unimagined freedom.
The story is really interesting and kept me hooked from the very beginning.
The story is about the mother and son relationship. The mother who tries every possible thing to save his son from getting unwanted attention and the son who’s only wish is to heal his mother and give her a taste of unimagined freedom.
The story is really interesting and kept me hooked from the very beginning.
March 13, 2026
Gabriel Born raises fascinating questions about how far science should go in the pursuit of progress. Sheila Jensen’s controversial experiment immediately places the reader in a moral dilemma, should groundbreaking discoveries be limited by ethical boundaries, or should they be pursued if they might save lives?
As the story unfolds, it becomes clear that the consequences of Sheila’s actions go far beyond the laboratory. Gabriel’s existence challenges society’s understanding of what is natural and acceptable.
Your storytelling blends ethical debate with emotional depth, making the novel both engaging and meaningful.
Thanks for writing such a novel.
Proudly read at CCBE.
As the story unfolds, it becomes clear that the consequences of Sheila’s actions go far beyond the laboratory. Gabriel’s existence challenges society’s understanding of what is natural and acceptable.
Your storytelling blends ethical debate with emotional depth, making the novel both engaging and meaningful.
Thanks for writing such a novel.
Proudly read at CCBE.
March 14, 2026
From the very beginning, Gabriel Born presents a gripping scenario: a scientist willing to risk everything to find a cure. Sheila’s desperation and determination drive the narrative forward, while the consequences of her choices ripple through every chapter.
Gabriel’s growth adds a fascinating dimension to the story. His wings and ability to share the sensation of flight with others introduce a sense of wonder that contrasts sharply with the fear and hostility he encounters.
The novel ultimately becomes a story about acceptance, learning to embrace what is extraordinary instead of fearing it.
Thank for sharing Gabriel Born with us.
A note from a reader from CCBE.
Gabriel’s growth adds a fascinating dimension to the story. His wings and ability to share the sensation of flight with others introduce a sense of wonder that contrasts sharply with the fear and hostility he encounters.
The novel ultimately becomes a story about acceptance, learning to embrace what is extraordinary instead of fearing it.
Thank for sharing Gabriel Born with us.
A note from a reader from CCBE.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews